League Preview: Galway United -v- Waterford

GALWAY UNITED

Reeling from a shock loss away to Longford Town, Galway United host nearest challengers Waterford in a vital First Division clash at Eamonn Deacy Park (kick-off is at 7.45pm).

The Tribesmen went to Longford on Monday seeking to extend their winning streak to 12 games this season – but they were undone by the First Division strugglers.

Mohamed Boudiaf’s second minute goal proved to be the difference between the sides as John Caulfield’s charges could not break down De Town at Bishopsgate.

The defeat also saw them miss out on a chance to extent their lead at the top of the table to 10 points after Waterford lost 1-0 at home to Wexford.

But Caulfield is hoping that his side can respond against the Blues in a vital clash.

“We’re looking forward to playing in front of what we hope will be another full house,” he said

“Keith [Long] has done a terrific job so far, so we want an atmosphere from the start like we had last week.”

WATERFORD

After slumping to their first defeat under new boss Keith Long, Waterford head to Eamonn Deacy Park needing a result to keep pace with the league leaders.

On Monday, the Blues were beaten 1-0 at home by local rivals Wexford.

The loss meant that Waterford were unable to keep their winning streak of six games going under their new gaffer.

And speaking ahead of Friday’s crunch showdown against the Tribesmen, Long is seeking a big response from his side.

“We were a little bit flat [against Wexford],” he revealed.  

“We didn’t probe enough although we did have some chances but probably not enough to work the goalkeeper in the game.  

“We know we have to stop conceding goals, it was a poor goal to concede and we probably didn’t have the guile to break them down after that.

“We’ve regrouped. We’ve been in good form [before Monday’s defeat] and we have got ourselves ready for Friday [v Galway] because we know it’s going to be a big game.”

Referee: Kevin O’Sullivan,

PREDICTION

Galway United 1 - 2 Waterford

Galway United

Injured: N/A.

Doubtful: N/A.

Suspended: None.

Waterford

Injured: None.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.